Here are some easy treats and tweaks to make your holidays a touch healthier. Tis the season…
Pepperminty Bark
- 16 oz dark chocolate (70%+)
- 1 candy cane (look for no artificial coloring)
- 1/4 cup roasted almonds
Crumble the candy cane (try placing it in a zippered bag and use the flat end of a jar or utensil to break it into small pieces). Then crumble the almonds. Cover a baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper. Next, melt the chocolate (on the stove or in the microwave). Pour the melted chocolate over the parchment paper and use a spoon to help spread it out – it won’t fill the whole pan; you want it to create a thin layer but not so thin that it’s flimsy. Next, sprinkle the crumbled candy cane and almonds across the top. Finally, place in fridge to harden for 2-3 hours. Once hardened, break into pieces and store in a cool place.
Roasted Nuts
Choose your favorite nuts to roast. You’ll get the best omega 3 EFAs from walnuts, followed by almonds. To roast, first prep a little olive oil (you’ll need less than you think) with seasonings of your choice. I like to use curry powder or Italian herbs. Mix nuts with the oil to coat well, then pour onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 250F for 40-55 minutes, stirring halfway and checking every 5 minutes because oven times can differ. Remove from tray to cool, and enjoy.
Pro tip: store in a sealed container to keep fresh, up to a week.
Cookies with a Healthy Twist
Sugar overload is all too common this time of year. Balance your favorite cookies by swapping in some almond flour for regular flour. It’s not always a one-to-one swap, so test it out first if you can. Why? Almond flour will provide some protein, which can support more balanced blood sugar (meaning less sugary spikes and crashes).
- While you’re mixing it up, try adding some matcha powder to the mix for a fun and festive green color!
Holiday Party Pro Tip:
Always stash a protein-rich snack in your car/bag/purse. If you end up having too much to drink or too many sugary treats, this would be a go-to. Try roasted nuts or even a clean protein bar – choose what works for you.
Also, the obvious: stay hydrated. As simple as it sounds, having a full glass of water between drinks helps your body. Order water with a splash of cranberry and lime, and you’ll have a festive glass too!
This blog and website do not provide medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Always check with your own healthcare provider before taking a new supplement and before making any significant diet, lifestyle, exercise or other changes. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on this site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.